Wildfire: Forest Department construct watch tower at Chamundi Hill

Mysuru, Feb 28 : The Karnataka Forest Department has decided to construct watchtowers and employ fire watchers at the Chamundi Hill to avoid reoccurring of major fire mishap that was witnessed recently in Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve.

After wildfire at Bandipur National Park that destroyed 20,000 acres of forest land, Chamundi Hills also witnessed fire. Now the Forest department has decided to construct four watchtowers and employ 25 fire watchers to take precautionary measure.

Fire watchers will be provided with walkie-talkie. Fire line of hundred km has already been formed at the hills. District forest officer Prashant Kumar said that the department has employed more than 70 fire watches for the next three months of summer.

He said that quick response vehicle has already been kept in place for Chamundi Hills and it would be in continuous contact with the Fire Brigade. He requested the public to not to indulge in any fun activities in the forest area. (UNI)